“What makes you so certain?” Sophie asked.
I filled them in on harp therapy and the anti-depression potion. By all accounts, Jolene was ready to embrace the next chapter in her life.
“So if she didn’t kill herself and Daniel is innocent, who’s next on the list?” Begonia asked.
I lowered my voice. “What about Lorenzo Mancini?”
“You can't possibly be serious," Sophie said. "Mancini is the head of the pack. He might kill you for making that accusation."
"The pack isn’t the mob,” I said. “I’m not making an accusation. I'm just throwing it out there as a possibility.”
"What could he possibly have to gain from Jolene’s death?” Begonia asked. "He's already the head of the pack and he has a wife."
"Do you think Lorenzo and Jolene were having an affair?" Sophie asked, her eyes wide.
“No. Maybe it's simple revenge," I said. "Everyone seems to expect that Alex will take over the pack when Lorenzo dies. Maybe I’m Lorenzo and I hear this. I start to feel a little anxious. Maybe even a little annoyed that people seem to think my time is coming to an end. Do I kill Alex directly? Maybe. Or maybe I weaken him by taking away something important. His mate."
The other witches stared at me. Sophie took a long, slow sip of her pomegranate pom-pom.
"Your mind goes to dark places," Begonia said.
"I was a public interest lawyer in the human world, don't forget. Unfortunately, I glimpsed a lot of dark places in my short adult life."
The bartender signaled that the rest of our drinks were ready.
"I'll get them," Sophie volunteered.
"But you already have your drink," I said. In fact, she was the only one.
Begonia leaned forward and whispered, "Sophie has a crush on the bartender."
Sophie elbowed her friend in the ribs. "I do not."
I craned my neck for another look at the bartender. He was handsome in a scruffy sort of way. "What is he?"
“His name is Ty," Sophie said. "He's a satyr.”
"Isn't he a little old for you?" I asked. Although I wasn't that much older than Sophie, I felt protective of her.
"You mean as opposed to an angel or a vampire?" Begonia asked good-naturedly.
She had a point. "Go on then," I urged Sophie.
She looked at us uneasily. "Do I look okay? Do I need a quick beauty spell?"
"Don't be silly," Begonia said. "You’re adorable."
Sophie slid out of the booth and walked casually to the bar to collect the drinks. I watched as she made an effort to interact with the bartender. Unfortunately, his attention had been drawn to a sultry nymph at the opposite end of the bar.
"Maybe we should do a boob spell on Sophie,” Begonia said.
"Bite your tongue," I said. "Sophie doesn't want to attract someone with her physical appearance. She wants him to be interested in her mind, in her good nature."
"Yeah, but being attractive helps."
Sadly, I couldn't argue with that.
Sophie returned with the drinks, looking forlorn. "Well, that didn't go well. Bitsy appeared at precisely the wrong time."
“Bitsy is the nymph?" I asked.
Sophie nodded. "She seems to frequent the bars and restaurants in town. She’ll date someone for about a year and then move on to the next target."
"Why bars and restaurants?" I asked.
"She's a groupie," Begonia said. "And she loves the free food and drinks.”
"I don't think she's paid for a meal in decades," Sophie added.
The nymph was draped across the bar top, batting her eyes at Ty. I had a feeling that Sophie didn't stand a chance.
"Don't worry, Sophie," I said. "We’ll find someone who appreciates you."
"It's okay," Sophie said glumly. She stared into the bottom of her glass. "Mom and dad say my priority needs to be graduation. I can't let myself get distracted by boys."
"I'm trying to do the same," I said. "And that's what I told Demetrius."
Begonia’s fingers encircled my wrist and she squeezed hard. "What are you telling me? You broke up with Demetrius Hunt?"
“Not exactly," I said. Inasmuch as you can't break up with someone you aren’t actually dating.
"Is this because of someone else?" Sophie asked.
"Of course not," I insisted. “Between a new job, witch training, and adjusting to this whole new life, I don't think it makes sense for me to get involved with anyone right now. There's plenty of time for that."
“I, for one, think you’re insane,” Begonia said.
Sophie's eyes bulged. "Don't look now. But Lorenzo Mancini just walked into the pub."
“Really? Maybe I should go and speak with him," I said. Both girls reached out and gripped my arms.
“You really are insane,” Begonia said. "You do not want to get on the wrong side of the pack. That's a bad idea for anyone, especially someone new like you."
"It’s just a friendly conversation," I said. "If I do it right, he won't even know what I'm up to."
"Lorenzo is smart," Sophie said. “He’ll figure out what you're doing inside of a minute."
I shrugged. “Worth a shot.“
“Whatever you do, don’t get straight to the point,” Sophie said. “Werewolves tend to feel challenged by directness.”
“Don’t worry,” I said. “I won’t go there.”
I slid out of the seat and sauntered over to Lorenzo’s table. He was alone, already with a drink in hand. No surprise that he received VIP treatment.
He gave me a polite smile as I approached.
"Miss Hart, good to see you taking advantage of the Spellbound watering holes. You seem to be settling in rather well."
"May I sit? Or are you waiting for someone?"
He gestured for me to sit down. "You seem to have found your own pack," he said, with a brief nod in the direction of Sophie and Begonia. "It's important in life to find your people."
"You've been leader of your pack quite a long time," I said. “Your people must be very special to you. They’re like your children."
“To call them children is a bit patronizing," he said. "I prefer to think of myself as everyone's stronger, wiser brother."
So his ego didn't seem to be at issue. Much.
"Any news on Jolene?" I asked. I was careful to avoid the word murder.
His expression turned grim. "No new leads as of yet," he said. "I have some members investigating as well. We can't leave these things to Sheriff Hugo. The sheriff is a good centaur, but he likes his puzzles to be simple. And so he tries to make them so. As you and I both know, however, life doesn't always work that way."
We were in total agreement on that point.
"Does it bother you that members say Alex is your natural successor? Does that make you feel like they’re ready for a regime change?" Okay, so I went there.
Lorenzo's eyes turned golden. I recognized that look. The wolf within. So I guess it did bother him.
"I would be lying if I denied it. Show me a man who likes to contemplate his own demise."
I bit back a smile. I could show him one right now. In fact, he was probably in his thinking spot at this very moment, contemplating his own demise.
"Do you like Alex?" I asked.
"Miss Hart, if I didn't know any better, I would say that you are attempting to interrogate me." He picked up his drink and drained the glass. It was purposeful, like he was trying to control the flow of the conversation.
"Sooner or later, I'm going to be defending someone,” I said. “Questions like these are going to come up. Best to get them answered now."
"I do appreciate your devotion to your new position." He wiped his mouth with his napkin. "I wish everyone in town showed such dedication and tenacity."
"You haven't answered my question."
"Yes, of course I like Alex. Everyone likes Alex. Why do you think I put him in a position to rise in the ranks?"
"What do you mean?"
"I gave Alex his f
irst promotion," Lorenzo said. "Over many objections I might add. His father Duke and his mother LuAnn are not particularly respected in the pack. The other wolves in my retinue weren't sure about Alex, but I believed in him. I still believe in him."
I hadn’t realized that. I thought Alex's rise was due to popularity in the pack, not because Lorenzo supported him. I still had a lot to learn about the inner workings of Spellbound.
"What about Jolene?" I asked. “What were your feelings about her?"
"Her father was one of my best friends before his death,” he said. "I pushed for the match."
"I was under the impression that everyone supported the match initially, except Alex and Jolene."
"We do try to keep information within the pack," Lorenzo said. “Makes us look weak when we can't agree."
The more I talked with Lorenzo, the more I liked him. Although he was intimidating with his slick appearance and his wolfish gaze, I found myself warming to him.
"You do realize it's quite dangerous to accuse a council member of a serious offense," he said, although I was pretty sure I detected a trace of amusement.
"I wouldn't dream of accusing you of anything, Mr. Mancini," I said. "Unlike some residents here, I am not suicidal."
He chuckled. "To be blunt, I did not kill Jolene. I fully support Alex as my future successor. And now I have to go to the trouble of finding Alex a new mate. To be crass, it's a huge inconvenience to the pack. It creates uncertainty and no one likes uncertainty. Our members get restless."
"Thank you, Mr. Mancini. I do appreciate you being candid with me."
"Consider this your free pass, Miss Hart. The next time you disrespect me like this, make no mistake, there will be consequences."
My insides twisted. So maybe warming to him was a bit premature.
I nodded and left the table. Begonia and Sophie awaited my return in silence. I noticed they were clutching hands. They must've been truly nervous for me.
"Well, the good news is that I don't think Lorenzo is our man," I said, dropping into my seat.
"No, the good news is that you're still alive," Begonia said.
Truer words were never spoken.
Chapter 15
When we left the Horned Owl, I had the distinct feeling we were being watched.
“What’s wrong?” Sophie asked, noticing my apprehension.
I stopped walking. “Wait here a second.” I turned left and walked toward a tall, shadowy figure behind a fey lantern pole.
“Astrid?” I queried. “Are you hiding?” I couldn’t imagine what else the imposing Valkyrie was doing behind the pole.
The deputy stepped into the light. “Not hiding.” She peered over her shoulder. “Okay, maybe hiding a little bit. I don’t want the sheriff to know I’m sharing information with you.”
I cocked my head. “You’re sharing information with me?”
“I liked how you handled the situation with Mumford and, between you and me, I know Daniel would never kill anyone.” She glanced warily at Begonia and Sophie. “Tell your friends to keep walking.”
I waved the girls on. “I’ll speak to you later,” I called, and turned back to Astrid. “So what’s the information?”
“This way,” she said. “I know somewhere private we can talk.”
“My office is close by,” I said. “We can go there.”
“Nope, sorry. I like Althea, but I don’t trust her not to mention my visit to one of her sisters.”
Although Althea wouldn’t be there at this hour, I didn’t argue.
We walked around the block and ended up in front of the library.
“Perfect,” I said. “I’ve been meaning to stop by here.”
In the lobby of the building was an atrium where I could see multiples floors of bookshelves all around us.
“There’s a section on the third floor where no one ever goes,” Astrid said.
I followed her to a staircase and we trudged to the third floor. “No magical elevator?”
“Oh, there are faster ways. I just like the exercise.”
“Remind me to check out the children’s section before we leave,” I said.
She arched an eyebrow. “Something you need to tell me?”
I blushed. “No, of course not. There’s a book I’d like to check out for a friend.” I wasn’t about to share the details of my Winnie the Pooh conversation with Daniel. It was too personal.
Astrid leaned on a shelf between stacks of books about the insect world. “They found silver in her bloodstream.”
Silver? “How?”
“Colloidal silver is available in several shops in town,” the Valkyrie said. “I’m looking into its origin.”
“But she was a werewolf,” I said.
“Exactly.” Astrid leaned forward. “I think she was poisoned.”
“Why is suicide ruled out?” I asked. “Wouldn’t poisoning herself be a less violent way to go?”
“Because it wasn’t one lethal dose. Based on the autopsy results, it built up in her system over time. There’s a good chance she didn’t know she was ingesting it.”
The gears began clicking in my mind. Someone had poisoned her. “Alex?”
Astrid pressed her lips together. “It doesn’t look good for him.”
“The marriage was arranged,” I said. “Lorenzo pushed for Jolene.”
“Maybe Alex never really accepted it,” Astrid said.
Because he was headstrong and fiercely independent or because he disliked his intended mate?
“Does Sheriff Hugo think Daniel poisoned her with silver?” I asked.
“No, but he won’t come out and say it. He’s a stubborn centaur. That’s why I came to you, my human friend.” She cleared her throat. “Sorry, my witch friend.”
I smiled. “Calling me a human is not an insult,” I assured her. At least not to me. “Is he planning to question Alex with this new information?”
“Yes,” she replied. “But not until the morning.”
“Why the delay?”
Astrid made a disapproving face. “It’s his poker night.”
I guess that’s the attitude you can afford to have when you have a job for life. A very long life.
“Who does he play poker with?” I was curious to know who the sheriff’s cronies were—so that I could avoid them.
“Frank. He’s the gnome who owns the Enchanted Garden.” She ticked the rest off on her fingers. “Lord Gilder. Stan, the town registrar. Boyd. A few other occasional players.”
“You don’t play poker?” I asked.
Her expression darkened. “Doesn’t matter if I did. Boys only.”
Wow. Sexism was alive and well in the cursed town of Spellbound.
“We should start our own poker club,” I said.
“It’s not a club. Just a weekly game.”
I knew nothing about poker. “Okay, so let’s have a game night. Girls only. Who can we invite?”
A slow smile emerged. “Are you serious?”
“Why not? Lucy will join us.” I sensed that, beneath her sweet fairy exterior, Lucy could be quite competitive.
“Lucy would be awesome. What about your classmates?”
“I’ll invite them. How about tomorrow night at my house?” If all went well, Daniel would be free to leave before then.
“I’ll bring the cards.” Astrid was practically vibrating with excitement. It seemed she was a fan of poker after all.
“So back to business,” I said. “If Sheriff Hugo is heading to poker soon, I’m guessing it would be a good time for a chat with Alex.”
Astrid held up her hands. “What you do in your private time is your business, Miss Hart. If you want to check on Alex and see how he’s coping with his loss, I won’t stop you.”
I winked at her. “You go first so we’re not seen together. I’m going to find a couple of books on my way out.”
As I walked over to the Pines from the library, I realized how poor my timing was. The sun was low in the sky, cas
ting a pink and orange glow across the horizon.
Is it a full moon tonight, Sedgwick? He was too high to hear me properly, so I used telepathy.
No, tomorrow night, but it doesn’t matter. The werewolves won’t turn. There’s an ordinance, remember?
So there was no cause for alarm, at least where werewolves and other shifters were concerned.
Alex was within view on the front porch as I approached the house, shirtless and working up a sweat with a hammer. His biceps bulged and suddenly the allure of the alpha male became crystal clear.
He stopped and sniffed the air before his gaze alighted on me. “You again. Emma, right?”
“It is.” I picked up the pace and caught sight of Sedgwick heading for the rooftop.
Alex set down the hammer and wiped his brow. “What brings you all the way out here at this hour?”
“I just wanted to see how you were doing,” I said.
The front door opened and Kayla emerged from the house, carrying a tray with a jug of lemonade and two glasses. Her brow creased when she noticed me.
“Sorry, I didn’t realize we had company. I can fetch another glass.”
“Don’t trouble yourself on my account,” I said.
Kayla placed the tray on a small table. “It’s no trouble. I’ll be right back.”
Once she disappeared inside the house, Alex grinned at me. “Werewolf hospitality. Ain’t nothing like it.”
He swiped a glass from the tray and filled it to the brim with ice-cold lemonade. “It’s homemade. Jolene’s family recipe. Kayla’s keeping the tradition alive.” He took a long sip. “Ever little thing reminds me of her.”
“I guess you’ve been trying to keep busy,” I said. I knew what it was like to keep a shattered mind occupied.
“Hands, head, heart.” He exhaled loudly. “I’ve been aiming to keep every bit of me distracted.”
Heart? I thought that was an interesting inclusion.
The front door swung open and Kayla thrust a glass into my hand. “Here you go.”
Ah, the awkward teenage years. How little I missed them.
“Thanks for coming out to check on us,” Kayla said. “Most townsfolk seem to be steering clear like we have a disease or something.” She lifted the jug and filled my glass halfway.
Doom and Broom (Spellbound Paranormal Cozy Mystery Book 2) Page 14
